Gaming machine enabling bet for getting insurance-pay and method of playing games using the same

ABSTRACT

A gaming machine includes a display configured to display an image concerning a unit game for determining whether or not a play result deserves a payout, a counter configured to be reset under a predetermined condition and to increment a count value every time the unit game is executed, and a controller. The controller performs control to execute a second game when a play result of the unit game satisfies a specific play result. The controller performs control to receive a bet, as a prerequisite for getting an insurance-pay, made on an arbitrary number of the unit games set as a group, and to execute a second game when the count value reaches a predetermined value in the group of the unit games on each of which a bet as a prerequisite for getting an insurance-pay is made.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/907,679, filed on Apr. 13, 2007; theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a player canmake a bet for getting an insurance-pay and a method of playing gamesusing the gaming machine.

2. Description of the Related Art

Typical gaming machines such as slot machines are disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 5,820,459, U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,697, US Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2003/0069073, EP Patent Application Publication No.1192975, U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,483, U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,730, U.S. Pat. No.5,639,088, U.S. Pat. No. 6,257,981, U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,896, U.S. Pat.No. 6,001,016, U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,820, U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,482, U.S.Pat. No. 4,669,731, U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,957, U.S. Pat. No. 5,910,048,U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,402, U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,013, U.S. Pat. No.4,283,709, EP Patent Application Publication No. 0631798, German PatentApplication Publication No. 4137010, British Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2326830, German Patent Application Publication No.3712841, U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,638, U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,980, U.S. Pat. No.5,280,909, U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,303, U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,409, U.S. Pat.No. 5,770,533, U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,817, U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,704, U.S.Pat. No. 6,932,707, U.S. Pat. No. 4,837,728, EP Patent ApplicationPublication No. 1302914, U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,459, U.S. Pat. No.5,564,700, International Publication WO03/083795, German PatentApplication Publication No. 3242890, EP Patent Application PublicationNo. 0840264, German Patent Application Publication No. 10049444,International Publication WO04/095383, EP Patent Application PublicationNo. 1544811, U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,963, EP Patent Application PublicationNo. 1477947, and EP Patent Application Publication No. 1351180.

In a facility equipped with such gaming machines, a player can play agame offered by a gaming machine by making a bet with coins or creditsin the gaming machine.

For example, every time a player makes a bet in a slot machine andpresses a start switch, the slot machine executes a unit game forrearranging multiple symbols that are arranged on a display. Then, if acombination of the symbols rearranged on the display matches apredetermined winning combination, the slot machine provides a payoutcorresponding to the winning combination.

Moreover, the slot machine also performs a payout called a jackpot. Thatis, the slot machine pools part of the bet in this slot machine as a betfor the jackpot. Then, the slot machine determines to payout or not topayout the pooled bets at a predetermined timing. When the slot machinedetermines the payout, the slot machine provides a payout of the betspooled for the jackpot to the player.

Incidentally, in the above-described gaming machines, a value calculatedby subtracting the amount of bets that the player gets paid out from thegaming machine, from the amount of the bets that the player makes in thegaming machine is equal to an amount of loss of the player. The playerbecomes more anxious as the amount of loss increases, and may eventuallylose interest in the game as a result of this growing anxiety.

The present invention has been made in view of this problem. It is anobject of the present invention to provide a gaming machine and a methodof playing games using the gaming machine which offers a betterentertainment value by relieving anxiety of a player.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention provides a method of playinggames using a gaming machine configured to execute unit gamesconsecutively, which includes: making a bet on the unit games; providinga predetermined amount of award when a play result of the unit gamesatisfies a specific play result; making a bet as a prerequisite forgetting an insurance-pay on an arbitrary number of the unit games set asa group; incrementing a count value to be reset under a predeterminedresetting condition every time the unit game is executed; and acceptingan operation by a player and executing a preliminary game for providingan amount of award corresponding to a result of this operation, when thecount value reaches a predetermined value in the group of the unit gameson each of which the bet as a prerequisite for getting the insurance-payis made.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a method of playinggames using a gaming machine configured to execute unit gamesconsecutively, which includes: making a bet on the unit games; providinga predetermined amount of award when a play result of the unit gamesatisfies a specific play result; making a bet as a prerequisite forgetting an insurance-pay on an arbitrary number of the unit games set asa group; incrementing a count value, which is to be reset under apredetermined resetting condition, with every execution of the unit gameon which the bet as a prerequisite for getting the insurance-pay ismade; and accepting an operation by a player and executing a preliminarygame for providing an amount of award corresponding to a result of thisoperation, when the count value reaches a predetermined value in thegroup of the unit games on each of which the bet as a prerequisite forgetting the insurance-pay is made.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a method of playinggames using a gaming machine configured to execute unit gamesconsecutively, which includes: making a bet on the unit games; providinga predetermined amount of award when a play result of the unit gamesatisfies a specific play result; making a bet, as a prerequisite forgetting an insurance-pay, on an arbitrary number of the unit games setas a group; incrementing a count value, which is to be reset on apredetermined resetting condition, every time the unit game is executed;and when the count value reaches a predetermined value in the group ofthe unit games on each of which the bet as a prerequisite for gettingthe insurance-pay is made, accepting an operation by a player, executinga preliminary game for providing an amount of award corresponding to aresult of this operation, and providing the amount of award caused bythe preliminary game in the form of medals or coins.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a gaming machine whichincludes: a display configured to display an image concerning a unitgame for determining whether or not a play result deserves an award; acounter configured to be reset under a predetermined resetting conditionand to increment a count value every time the unit game is executed; anda controller operable to execute the following procedures (a) to (c).The procedure (a) is to provide a predetermined amount of award when aplay result of the unit game satisfies a specific play result. Theprocedure (b) is to receive a bet, as a prerequisite for getting aninsurance-pay, made on an arbitrary number of the unit games set as agroup. The procedure (c) is to accept an operation by a player andexecuting a preliminary game for providing an amount of awardcorresponding to a result of this operation, when the count valuereaches a predetermined value in the group of the unit games on whichthe bet prerequisite for getting the insurance-pay is made.

A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a gaming machine whichincludes: a display configured to display an image concerning a unitgame for determining whether or not a play result deserves an award; acounter configured to be reset under a predetermined resetting conditionand to increment a count value with every execution of the unit game onwhich a bet as a prerequisite for getting an insurance-pay is made; anda controller operable to execute the following procedures (a) to (c).The procedure (a) is to provide a predetermined amount of award when aplay result of the unit game satisfies a specific play result. Theprocedure (b) is to receive a bet, as a prerequisite for getting theinsurance-pay, made on an arbitrary number of the unit games set as agroup. The procedure (c) is to accept an operation by a player andexecuting a preliminary game for providing an amount of awardcorresponding to a result of this operation, when the count valuereaches a predetermined value in the group of the unit games on whichthe bet prerequisite for getting the insurance-pay is made.

A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a gaming machine whichincludes: a display configured to display an image concerning a unitgame for determining whether or not a play result deserves an award; acounter configured to be reset under a predetermined resetting conditionand to increment a count value every time the unit game is executed; anda controller operable to execute the following procedures (a) to (c).The procedure (a) is to provide a predetermined amount of award when aplay result of the unit game satisfies a specific play result. Theprocedure (b) is to receive a bet, as a prerequisite for getting aninsurance-pay, made on an arbitrary number of the unit games set as agroup. The procedure (c) is to carrying out the following when the countvalue reaches a predetermined value in the group of the unit games onwhich the bet as a prerequisite for getting the insurance-pay is made.An operation by a player is accepted to execute a preliminary game forproviding an amount of award corresponding to a result of thisoperation, and then the amount of award caused by the preliminary gameis provided in the form of medals or coins.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flowchart schematically showing procedures of a slot machineaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slot machine according to theembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the slot machineaccording to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing procedures of the slot machine accordingto the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing procedures of the slot machine accordingto the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing procedures of the slot machine accordingto the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing procedures of the slot machine accordingto the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing procedures of the slot machine accordingto the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing procedures of the slot machine accordingto the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing procedures of the slot machine accordingto the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing procedures of the slot machine accordingto another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing procedures of the slot machine accordingto the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing procedures of the slot machine accordingto the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing procedures of the slot machine accordingto the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing procedures of the slot machine accordingto another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing procedures of the slot machine accordingto the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing procedures of the slot machine accordingto the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing procedures of the slot machine accordingto another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing procedures of the slot machine accordingto the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing procedures of the slot machine accordingto the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing procedures of the slot machine accordingto another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing procedures of the slot machine accordingto the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing procedures of the slot machine accordingto the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing procedures of the slot machine accordingto the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a payout table showing relations between winning combinationsand payouts of the slot machine according to the embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 26A and 26B are display examples to be displayed on a liquidcrystal display of the slot machine according to the embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 27 is a display example to be displayed on the liquid crystaldisplay of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 28 is a display example to be displayed on the liquid crystaldisplay of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 29A and 29B are display examples to be displayed on the liquidcrystal display of the slot machine according to the embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 30A and 30B are display examples to be displayed on the liquidcrystal display of the slot machine according to the embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 31A and 31B are display examples to be displayed on the liquidcrystal display of the slot machine according to the embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 32A and 32B are display examples to be displayed on the liquidcrystal display of the slot machine according to the embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 33 is a display example to be displayed on the liquid crystaldisplay of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 34 is a display example to be displayed on the liquid crystaldisplay of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 35 is a display example to be displayed on the liquid crystaldisplay of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Now, outlines of operations of a slot machine representing an example ofa gaming machine of the present invention will be described below withreference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 1 and a perspective view of aslot machine 10 shown in FIG. 2.

First, the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment receives a betfor a unit game constituting each round of execution of a slot game(Step S11). To be more precise, the slot machine 10 accepts insertion ofmedals or coins, or receives a bet using value information (credits).

Subsequently, the slot machine 10 receives a bet for satisfying acondition to get an insurance-pay (hereinafter referred to as a “rescuepay”; both of the “insurance-pay” and the “rescue pay” are trademarkpending registrations) (Step S12). Here, as will be described later, the“rescue pay” means automatic execution of a second game when the numberof unit games reaches an upper limit game number (such as 1000 games)while none of these unit games makes the transition to the second gameoccurs, or when the aggregate bets made on the consecutive unit gamesreaches an upper limit number (such as 1000 medals) without making anytransition to the second game.

Thereafter, a rescue setting game number for determining whether or notthe rescue pay is to be granted is set (Step S13). In the presentinvention, it is possible to set a rescue setting game for everypredetermined number of games (such as a group of every 10 games) bymaking a predetermined amount of bet. Therefore, when a player makes thepredetermined amount of bet to set the rescue setting game number to 10games, a second game is executed as a rescue pay when the number ofgames reaches the upper limit game number, or when the amount of betsmade reaches the upper limit number during 10 slot games.

Subsequently, the slot games are executed (Step S14). Here, symbols arescrolled in three display regions Q1 to Q3 as the player presses a startswitch 27, and the symbols are stopped later. Then, if the symbolsdisplayed in the regions Q1 to Q3 at this stopped timing, i.e. a playresult of the slot game match a winning combination, a payout (award)corresponding to the winning combination is provided.

Thereafter, the number of unit games played (or the number of creditsconsumed) is counted (Step S15). Moreover, a judgment is made as towhether or not the play result of the slot game satisfies a specificplay result (Step S16). Here, the “specific play result” meansqualification of a trigger condition for moving to the second game, forexample. To be more precise, the specific play result is a case where“7” symbols (specific symbols) shown in FIG. 25 are aligned in the threedisplay regions Q1 to Q3.

Then, if the specific play result takes place (YES in Step S16), thenumber of games played (or the number of credits consumed) counted inthe process in Step S15 is reset (Step S20). Moreover, the second gamecorresponding to the specific play result is executed (Step S21). Inaddition, a payout (award) process caused by execution of this secondgame is carried out (Step S22).

On the other hand, when the specific play result does not take place (NOin Step S16), a judgment is made as to whether or not the current unitgame is the rescue setting game (Step S17). When the current unit gameis the rescue setting game, a judgment is made as to whether or not thenumber of games played reaches the upper limit game number (thepredetermined number) (Step S18). When the number of games playedreaches the upper limit game number, the second game (an extra game) isexecuted (Step S19). Alternatively, a judgment is made as to whether ornot the number of consumed credits reaches the upper limit number, andthe second game is executed when the number of consumed credits reachesthe upper limit number.

Hence, it is possible to set the rescue setting games by defining anarbitrary number of unit games as a group. When the number of gamesplayed reaches the upper limit game number or when the number of creditsconsumed reaches the upper limit number during the rescue setting games,the second game is executed.

Next, a configuration of the slot machine 10 according to thisembodiment will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 2, the slotmachine 10 of this embodiment includes a cabinet 11, a top box 12 to bedisposed above the cabinet, and a main door 13. A lower liquid crystaldisplay 16 is provided to the cabinet 11 to face a player. Moreover,various component members including a controller 40 (see FIG. 3) forelectrically controlling this slot machine 10 and a hopper 44 (see FIG.3) for controlling insertion, storage, and payouts of medals aredisposed inside the cabinet 11.

Although in this embodiment, the bet made on a game is made with medals.This, however, is only an example. In other words, the means of bettingis not limited only to the medals. For instance, it is also possible touse coins, tokens, electronic money, and other electronic valueinformation (credits) to make a bet.

The main door 13 is openably and closably fitted to the cabinet 11, andthe lower liquid crystal display 16 is disposed approximately in thecenter of this main door 13. As will be described later, the lowerliquid crystal display (a display) 16 displays images concerning variousgames including the slot games. In a slot game, the symbols located inthe three display regions Q1 to Q3 arranged horizontally are moved andrearranged. Then, the predetermined amount of payout (award)(medals,credits or the like) is provided when the symbols rearranged in therespective regions Q1 to Q3 match any of the winning combinations (seeFIG. 24).

A medal insertion slot 21 for inserting the medals used for playing theslot game, and a bill validator 22 for identifying acceptable bills andfor accepting authentic bills are provided below the lower liquidcrystal display 16. Moreover, various operation switches are located inthe vicinity of the medal insertion slot 21 and the bill validator 22.

A cash-out switch 23, a MAXBET switch 24, a BET switch 25, a spin repeatbet switch 26, and a start switch 27 are provided as the operationswitches.

The BET switch 25 is the switch for determining the number of credits tobe bet on the slot game executed on the lower liquid crystal display 16.A credit equivalent to one medal is bet every time the BET switch 25 ispressed.

The spin repeat bet switch 26 is the switch for betting the credits toplay the slot game without changing the number of credits bet by use ofthe BET switch 25 in the previous game.

The start switch 27 is the switch for staring the slot game on the lowerliquid crystal display 16 after betting the credits. When this startswitch 27 is pressed after inserting the medal into the medal insertionslot 21 or betting the credits by use of the BET switch 25, the slotgame is started in the display regions Q1 to Q3 on the lower liquidcrystal display 16.

The cash-out switch 23 is the switch for paying out the inserted medals.The medals to be paid out are discharged from a medal payout opening 28located at a lower part on a front face of the main door 13. The medalsthus paid out are piled on a medal tray 18.

The MAXBET switch 24 is the switch for betting the maximum number ofcredits (such as 3 medals) that the player can bet in one round of theslot game in a single operation. Here, the maximum number of credits theplayer can bet in one round of the slot game may be changed by anoperation of an administrator. For example, the player may be able tobet 50 medals at the maximum.

A foot display 34 is disposed on a lower front face of the main door 13and is configured to display various images concerning the games of theslot machine 10. The images may include characters and the like of theslot machine 10, for example.

Lamps 47 are located on both sides of the foot display 34, which areconfigured to emit light based on predetermined light emission patternsin response to the gaming of the slot machine 10. The medal payoutopening 28 is located below the foot display 34.

An upper liquid crystal display 33 is disposed on a front face of thetop box 12. The number of medals to be paid out corresponding tocombinations of the symbols, and other effect images are displayed onthis upper liquid crystal display 33.

Moreover, a speaker 29 is provided on the top box 12. A ticket printer35, a card reader 36, a data display 37, and a keypad 38 are locatedbelow the upper liquid crystal display 33. The ticket printer 35 isconfigured to print a bar code for coding various data including thenumber of credits, date and time, an identification number of the slotmachine 10 and the like on a ticket, and to output the ticket as abar-coded ticket 39.

The player is able to play with a different slot machine by allowing theslot machine to read the bar-coded ticket 39, and to exchange thebar-coded ticket 39 with banknotes and the like in a designated positionof a gaming facility (such as a cashier in a casino).

The card reader 36 is configured to allow insertion of a smart card, toread data from the inserted smart card, and to write data thereto. Thesmart card is a card carried by the player, which stores data foridentifying the player, data concerning a history of games played by theplayer, and so forth.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of thecontroller 40 provided on the slot machine 10 of this embodiment andvarious instruments to be connected to the controller 40. The controller40 of the slot machine 10 shown in FIG. 3 is a microcomputer, whichincludes an interface circuit group 102, an input-output bus 104, a CPU106, a ROM 108, a RAM 110, a communication interface circuit 111, arandom number generating circuit 112, a speaker driving circuit 122, ahopper driving circuit 124, a counter 128, and a display controller 140.

The interface circuit group 102 is connected to the input-output bus104. This input-output bus 104 executes input and output of data signalsor address signals to and from the CPU 106.

The start switch 27 is connected to the interface circuit group 102. Astart signal outputted from this start switch 27 is converted into apredetermined signal by the interface circuit group 102 and is thentransmitted to the CPU 106 through the input-output bus 104.

Moreover, the BET switch 25, the MAXBET switch 24, the spin repeat betswitch 26, and the cash-out switch 23 are connected to the interfacecircuit group 102. Switching signals outputted from these switches 25,24, 26, and 23 are supplied to the interface circuit group 102,converted into predetermined signals by the interface circuit group 102,and then transmitted to the CPU 106 through the input-output bus 104.

In addition, a medal sensor 43 is connected to the interface circuitgroup 102. The medal sensor 43 is the sensor for detecting the medalsinserted into the medal insertion slot 21, which is provided in a medalinsertion region of the medal insertion slot 21. A detection signaloutputted from this medal sensor 43 is supplied to the interface circuitgroup 102, then converted into a predetermined signal by this interfacecircuit group 102, and then transmitted to the CPU 106 through theinput-output bus 104.

The ROM 108 for storing a system program and the RAM 110 for savingvarious data are connected to the input-output bus 104. Moreover, therandom number generating circuit 112, the communication interfacecircuit 111, the display controller 140, the hopper driving circuit 124,the speaker driving circuit 122, and the counter 128 are also connectedto the input-output bus 104.

The CPU 106 reads a game execution program and executes the slot game onaccepting a starting operation of the game by the start switch 27. Thegame execution program is the program for executing the slot game on thelower liquid crystal display 16 through the display controller 140.

To be precise, the game execution program is programmed to execute theslot game so as to scroll the symbols in the display regions Q1 to Q3(see FIG. 2), then to stop the symbols (rearranges the symbols), and tocause a payout (award) when the stopped symbols match a winningcombination.

The communication interface 111 is connected to a hall server or thelike and is configured to transmit data such as a history of the gamingexecuted by the slot machine 10, to the hall server. Moreover, thecommunication interface 111 receives various data transmitted from thehall server.

The random number generating circuit 112 generates a random number fordetermining whether or not to cause the winning combination in the slotgame executed on the lower liquid crystal display 16.

The counter 128 has a function to count the execution number of the unitgames, i.e. the number of slot games executed in the display regions Q1to Q3, a function to count the number of medals inserted in each of theslot games that are consecutively executed, and a function to count thedifference between the number of inserted medals and the number of paidout medals in each of the slot games that are consecutively executed.Here, the “number of medals inserted in each of the slot games that areconsecutively executed” means an accumulated number of the insertedmedals. Assuming that 10 rounds of the slot games are executed whilebetting 3 medals every time, then the number of inserted medals is 30.Meanwhile, the “difference between the number of inserted medals and thenumber of paid out medals in each of the slot games that areconsecutively executed” means a value calculated by subtracting the paidout medals from the accumulated number of the inserted medals. Forexample, assuming that 10 rounds of the slot games are executed whilebetting 3 medals every time and that a payout (award) equivalent to 10medals or credits occurs during the 10 rounds of slot games, then thedifference is 20 medals. It is also possible to set the counter 128inside the RAM 110.

The speaker driving circuit 122 outputs a voice signal to the speaker29. Specifically, the CPU 106 reads voice data that are stored in theROM 108 and transmits the voice data to the speaker driving circuit 122through the input-output bus 104. In this way, predetermined soundeffects are outputted from the speaker 29.

The hopper driving circuit 124 outputs a payout signal to the hopper 44when a cash-out occurs. Specifically, when the a cash-out signal isinputted from the cash-out switch 23, the CPU 106 outputs a drive signalto the hopper driving circuit 124 through the input-output bus 104. Inthis way, the hopper 44 pays out the medals corresponding to theremaining credits stored in a predetermined memory region of the RAM 110at that point.

The display controller 140 performs display control for executing theslot game on the lower liquid crystal display 16. Specifically, the CPU106 generates image display command signals corresponding to a state ofa slot game and a result of the slot game, and outputs the image displaycommand signals to the display controller 140 through the input-outputbus 104. When the image display command signals outputted from the CPU106 are inputted, the display controller 140 generates drive signals fordriving the lower liquid crystal display 16 based on these image displaycommands and outputs the generated drive signals to the lower liquidcrystal display 16. In this way, various images including effect imagesand images for explaining the game are displayed on the lower liquidcrystal display 16.

Moreover, a touch panel sensor 19 is provided on a surface of the lowerliquid crystal display 16. When the player touches this touch panelsensor 19, data representing the touched position on the lower liquidcrystal display 16 are detected and the data are transmitted to the CPU106.

Furthermore, the display controller 140 performs control to displayvarious images including effect images and images for explaining thegame on the upper liquid crystal display 33.

Next, procedures for executing the unit game constituting each round ofexecution of the slot game with the slot machine 10 serving as thegaming machine according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIG. 4to FIG. 9.

When the unit game is executed, in Step S31 in FIG. 4, the CPU 106 shownin FIG. 3 receives a bet. To be more precise, when the medals areinserted from the medal insertion slot 21 or when the credits are bet bymeans of pressing the BET switch 25 or the MAXBET switch 24, theseoperations are detected by the CPU 106.

Subsequently, in Step S32, the CPU 106 carries out a betting process forthe rescue pay. In this process, the CPU 106 accepts a bet for therescue pay by using the touch panel sensor 19 provided on the lowerliquid crystal display 16. More details will be described with referenceto the flowchart shown in FIG. 5.

Thereafter, in Step S33, the CPU 106 judges whether or not the startswitch 27 is turned on. The procedure goes to Step S34 when the startswitch 27 is turned on.

In Step S34, the CPU 106 carries out an execution process of the slotgame. In this process, the CPU 106 executes a process for rearrangingthe symbols located in the three display regions Q1 to Q3. More detailswill be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6.

In Step S35, the CPU 106 carries out a process to count the unit games.In this process, the CPU 106 executes the process to increment the countvalue in the counter 128 every time the unit game is executed. Moredetails will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.7.

In Step S36, the CPU 106 carries out a rescue pay execution process. Inthis process, the second game is automatically executed as the rescuepay when the specific symbols are not aligned during a preset number(such as 1000 games) of the unit games. More details will be describedlater with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8.

In Step S37, the CPU 106 carries out a payout process. In this process,the payout (such as medals or credits) is provided either when thesymbols qualifying the winning combinations stop in the three displayregions Q1 to Q3 or when the rescue pay is granted. More details will bedescribed later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9.Thereafter, the process goes to the next unit game.

FIG. 5 is the flowchart showing detailed procedures of the bettingprocess for the rescue pay shown in Step S32 in FIG. 4. First, in StepS51, the CPU 106 judges whether or not the current unit game is therescue setting game. Then, the process goes to Step S52 when the currentunit game is not the rescue setting game (NO in Step S51) or the processis terminated when the current unit game is the rescue setting game (YESin Step S51).

In Step S52, the main CPU 106 accepts a bet for the rescue pay for every10 games. Next, in Step S53, a bet acceptance image for the rescue payis displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 33 and the lower liquidcrystal display 16.

FIG. 26A is a display example of the upper liquid crystal display 33.FIG. 26B is a display example of the lower liquid crystal display 16. InFIG. 26A, an image 200 showing a character string of “RESCUE OFF” isdisplayed in order to indicate a state that no bet is currently made forthe rescue pay. Meanwhile, in FIG. 26B, a selection image 210 isdisplayed for selecting a display of detailed explanation of the rescuepay. Moreover, when a player touches this selection screen 210, thistouch operation is detected by the touch panel sensor 19 (see FIG. 3).

Thereafter, an explanation image 220 concerning the rescue pay isdisplayed as shown in FIG. 27. In this example, sentences such as “Whatis rescue pay? Bet 10 credits for every 10 games. Second game isautomatically executed in case of no execution of second game beforereaching 1000 games. Turn RESCUE on?” are displayed. In this way, thedetailed contents of the rescue play are notified to the player. At thesame time, the player is urged to select either an image 221 indicating“YES” or an image 222 indicating “NO”.

Here, when the player selects the image 221 indicating “YES”, the lowerliquid crystal display 16 displays, as in FIG. 28, selection images 223a to 223 f for selecting the rescue setting game number. To be moreprecise, the images “10 games, 10 credits”, “20 games, 20 credits”, “30games, 30 credits”, “40 games, 40 credits”, “50 games, 50 credits”, and“60 games, 60 credits” are displayed. Accordingly, the player isnotified that it is possible to set the rescue setting games by definingevery 10 games as a unit and that it is necessary to bet 10 credits forsetting 10 games for the rescue setting games.

Now, when the a bet is made for the rescue pay, a character string image230 “RESCUE ON” is displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 33 asshown in FIG. 28A and an image 236 stating a sentence such as “Secondgame is automatically executed in case of no execution of second gameduring 1000 games.” is displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 16as shown in FIG. 28B. That is, these image displays notify the playerthat the current unit game is the rescue setting game.

Subsequently, in Step S54 in FIG. 5, a judgment is made as to whether ornot the bet is made for the rescue pay. Specifically, the judgment ismade as to whether or not the player selects any of the selection images223 a to 223 f shown in FIG. 27. Here, the process is terminated whennone of the selection images 223 a to 223 f is selected (NO in StepS54). On the other hand, the process goes to Step S55 when the playerselects any of the selection images 223 a to 223 f.

In Step S55, the CPU 106 sets the number of games corresponding to anyof the selection images 223 a to 223 f selected by the player, as therescue setting games. For example, when the selection image 223 bcorresponding to the “20 games, 20 credits” out of six pieces of theselection images 223 a to 223 f shown in FIG. 28 is selected, the 20rounds of unit games starting from the current unit game are set as therescue setting games. Moreover, 20 credits are bet by this selection.Thereafter, this process is terminated.

FIG. 6 is the flowchart showing the slot game execution procedures shownin Step S34 in FIG. 4. Now, the slot game execution procedures will bedescribed with reference to this drawing.

First, in Step S71, the CPU 106 determines the symbols to be stopped inthe respective display regions Q1 to Q3 based on random numbersgenerated by the random number generating circuit 112 (see FIG. 3).Subsequently, in STEP S72, the displays of the symbols are scrolled inthe display regions Q1 to Q3. Moreover, the displays of the symbols arestopped after a lapse of a predetermined time period (such as 5seconds). The displays of the symbols stopped at this time are thesymbols determined in Step S71. Thereafter, the process goes to StepS73.

In Step S73, the CPU 106 judges whether the specific symbols are alignedin the display regions Q1 to Q3. The specific symbols are “7-7-7”symbols as shown in a payout table in FIG. 25. The process goes to StepS74 when the “7-7-7” symbols are aligned (YES in Step S73) in the caseof making a bet with three coins, or the process goes to Step S76 whenthe “7-7-7” symbols are not aligned (NO in Step S73).

In Step S74, the CPU carries out the second game. The second game is adifferent game from the slot game. More detail will be described laterwith reference to a flowchart in FIG. 24. Then, the process goes to StepS75.

In Step S75, the CPU 106 sets a specific symbol qualification flag to“1”. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

In Step S76, the CPU 106 judges whether or not the symbols stopped inthe respective display regions Q1 to Q3 satisfy any of the winningcombinations for causing the payout. Here, the process goes to Step S77when the stopped symbols qualify the winning combination (YES in StepS76) or the process is terminated when the stopped symbols do notqualify the winning combination (NO in Step S76).

In Step S77, the CPU 106 executes a process to cause the payoutcorresponding to any of the winning combinations in reference to thepayout table shown in FIG. 25. The winning combinations are defined inthe payout table shown in FIG. 25. For example, a payout of 60 creditsper credit is qualified when three “triple BAR” symbols are aligned inthe respective display regions Q1 to Q3. Meanwhile, a payout of 30credits per credit is qualified when three “double BAR” symbols arealigned. Likewise, payouts corresponding to combinations of three“CHERRY” symbols, three “single BAR” symbols, three of any of the above“triple BAR”, “double BAR” and “single BAR” symbols (ANYBAR), two“CHERRY” symbols, and a single “CHERRY” symbol are determined inaccordance with the payout table.

In this way, in the slot game execution process shown in FIG. 6, thepayout corresponding to the winning combination is caused when thewinning combination is aligned in the three display regions Q1 to Q3.Meanwhile, the second game is executed to provide a large benefit to theplayer when the specific symbols (which are the “7-7-7” symbols in thisembodiment) are aligned, and the specific symbol qualification flag isset to “1”.

Next, the process to count the unit games shown in Step S35 in FIG. 4will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7.

First, in Step S91, the CPU 106 increments a count value Ta of the unitgames. That is, Ta=Ta+1 is set. Here, the count value Ta is initiallyset to 0 (at the time of turning the power on), and will be reset in theprocedure in Step S93 to be described later. Here, the count value Ta isthe value obtained by counting the executed rounds of the unit games.After finishing this procedure, the process goes to Step S92.

In Step S92, the CPU 106 judges whether or not the specific symbolqualification flag is set to “1”. Specifically, the judgment is made asto whether or not the specific symbol qualification flag shown in StepS75 in FIG. 6 is set to ““1”. Here, when the specific symbolqualification flag is set to “1” (YES in Step S92), the CPU 106 resetsthe count value Ta in the procedure in Step S93.

Moreover, the CPU 106 resets the specific symbol qualification flag inStep S94 and resets the bet for the rescue pay in Step S95. That is,when the second game is executed to provide the player with a largebenefit, the count value Ta of the unit games is reset and the bet forthe rescue pay executed in Step S32 in FIG. 4 is also reset.

Meanwhile, the process is terminated when the judgment is made in thejudgment process in Step S92 that the specific symbol qualification flagis not set to “1”. Specifically, when the specific symbol qualificationflag is not set to “1”, the next unit game takes place whileincrementing the count value Ta. Then this process is terminated.

In the above-described process to count the unit games, the count valueTa is incremented when the second game is not executed (when thespecific symbols are not qualified). Meanwhile, the count value Ta isreset when the second game is executed (when the specific symbols arequalified). In this way, the number of unit games not qualifying thespecific symbols is consecutively counted.

Next, the procedures of the rescue pay execution process shown in StepS36 in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown inFIG. 8. First, in Step S101, the CPU 106 judges whether or not thecurrent unit game is the rescue setting game. Specifically, in theprocess shown in Step 55 in FIG. 5, the judgment is made as to whetheror not the current unit game is the unit game set as the rescue settinggame. Here, the process goes to Step S102 when the current unit game isthe rescue setting game or the process is terminated when the currentunit game is not the rescue setting game.

In Step S102, the CPU 106 judges whether or not the count value Ta ofthe unit games is equal to a preset upper limit value (a predeterminedvalue) Ta max (Ta max=1000, for example). Here, the process goes to StepS103 when Ta is equal to Ta max or the process is terminated when Ta isnot equal to Ta max.

In Step S103, the CPU 106 carries out the second game as the rescue pay.Specifically, when the specific symbols are not qualified consecutivelyfor the number of unit games equal to the upper limit Ta max, the secondgame is executed automatically as the rescue pay irrespective of theplay result of the slot game executed in the unit game.

FIGS. 30A and 30B are display examples of images to be displayed on theupper liquid crystal display 33 and the lower liquid crystal display 16when the count value Ta is coming close to the upper limit value Ta max.As shown in these examples, when the count value Ta is “992”, an image224 for notifying the player that there are 8 games left before therescue pay becomes effective. Meanwhile, an image 225 of an angel withfolded wings is displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 16.

FIGS. 31A and 31B are display examples of images to be displayed on theupper liquid crystal display 33 and the lower liquid crystal display 16when the count value Ta is “999”. As shown in these examples, an image226 for notifying the player that there is 1 game left before the rescuepay becomes effective. Meanwhile, an image 227 of the angel unfoldingthe wings is displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 16.

FIGS. 32A and 32B are display examples of images to be displayed on theupper liquid crystal display 33 and the lower liquid crystal display 16when the count value Ta reaches the upper limit value Ta max “1000”. Asshown in these examples, images 316 and 252 indicating that the secondgame as the rescue pay will be executed are displayed on the upperliquid crystal display 33 and the lower liquid crystal display 16,respectively.

FIG. 33 is a display example of an image to be displayed on the lowerliquid crystal display 16 after the rescue pay has been executed. Inthis example, an image 255 is displayed, the image indicating that therescue pay is currently turned off as the rescue pay has already beenexecuted. In this way, the rescue pay execution process shown in FIG. 8is carried out.

Next, an execution process of the second game will be described withreference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 24. The second game is executedas a rescue pay when the specific symbols (such as 7-7-7) are aligned inthe play result of the slot game executed in the unit game or when thecount value reaches the upper limit value Ta max. That is, the secondgame is executed in the procedure of Step S74 shown in FIG. 6 or in theprocedure of Step S103 shown in FIG. 8.

When the second game is executed, in Step S371 in FIG. 24, the CPU 106displays back faces of four cards p1 to p4 on the lower liquid crystaldisplay 16 as shown in FIG. 34, and an image q1 of a woman as well as acharacter string stating “please select”. In this way, the player isurged to perform an operation to select one out of the four cards p1 top4.

Subsequently, in Step S372, the CPU 106 activates an input operation ofthe touch panel sensor 19 (see FIG. 3) and accepts card selection by atouch by the player.

In Step S373, the CPU 106 judges whether or not any one of the fourcards p1 to p4 is selected. Then, the process goes to Step S374 when anyone of the cards is selected.

In Step S374, the CPU 106 reverses the selected card and notifies theplayer of the payout amount displayed on a front face of that card. Forexample, when the card p3 shown in FIG. 34 is selected, the front faceof the card p3 is displayed as shown in FIG. 35. In addition, since thefront face of this card p3 describes “80 credits”, the player isnotified that the number of credits to be paid out is equal to “80credits”.

Then, in Step S375, the CPU 106 causes the payout in the number ofcredits described on the front face of the selected card p3. 80 medalsof payout are provided in the example shown in FIG. 35.

In this way, in the second game, the player is allowed to execute theoperation to select one of the four cards p1 to p4 and the payout iscaused in response to the selected card. Accordingly, the player cangain a large benefit. Here, as described above, this embodiment explainsthe example of a game configured to select an arbitrary card out of thefour cards p1 to p4. However, it is also possible to execute the secondgame in a different style.

Next, the payout process shown in Step S37 in FIG. 4 will be describedwith reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9. First, in Step S111,the CPU 106 calculates a payout amount caused by alignment of thesymbols qualifying the payout, i.e. alignment of the winningcombination. To be more precise, the CPU calculates the payout amountcaused in the process in Step S77 in FIG. 6. Thereafter, the processgoes to Step S112.

In Step S112, the CPU 106 calculates a payout amount caused by the playresult of the second game. That is, when the payout due to the playresult of the second game is caused in the procedure in Step S375 inFIG. 24, the corresponding payout amount is calculated.

In Step S113, the CPU 106 calculates a sum of the payout amount causedby the winning combination and the payout amount caused by the secondgame, and provides a payout corresponding to this sum by use of themedals or coins from the payout opening 28 shown in FIG. 2. Then, thisprocess is terminated.

In this way, according to the slot machine 10 of this embodiment, thesecond game is executed as the rescue pay when the count value reachesthe upper limit value Ta max (the predetermined value) during the rescuesetting games.

Next, a modified example of the above-described first embodiment will bedescribed. In this modified example, only the process to count the unitgames shown in Step S35 in FIG. 4 is different from the above-describedfirst embodiment. Now, the process to count the unit games in themodified example will be described with reference to a flowchart shownin FIG. 10.

First, in Step S131, the CPU 106 judges whether or not the current unitgame is the rescue setting game. Specifically, the judgment is made asto whether or not the current unit game is the unit game set as therescue setting game in the procedure in Step S55 in FIG. 5. Then, theprocess goes to Step S132 when the current game is set as the rescuesetting game (YES in Step S131). Here, the procedures in Steps S132 toS136 are the same as Steps S91 to S95 in FIG. 7 and detailed explanationof these procedures will therefore be omitted.

On the contrary, when the current unit game is not the rescue settinggame (NO in Step S131), the process is terminated without incrementingthe count value Ta. Specifically, the count value Ta is not incrementedin the unit game which is not set as the rescue setting game. In otherwords, the count value Ta will be incremented only in the unit games setas the rescue setting games.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing procedures of unit games to be executedby the slot machine 10 serving as the gaming machine according to thesecond embodiment. Comparing the unit game execution process shown inFIG. 11 with the unit game execution process shown in FIG. 4, Steps S1S5to 154 shown in FIG. 11 are the same as Steps S31 to S34 shown in FIG.4. Similarly, Step S157 shown in FIG. 11 is the same as Step S37 shownin FIG. 4. On the contrary, Steps S155 and S156 shown in FIG. 11 aredifferent from Steps S35 and S36 shown in FIG. 4.

Now, a process to count consumed bets indicated in Step S155 in FIG. 11will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 12.

First, in Step S171, the CPU 106 adds a count value a corresponding to anewly-made bet to a count value of bets consumed at present (anaccumulated value of the consumed bets) Tb. That is, the CPU 106calculates Tb=Tb+α. Here, the count value Tb is initially set to 0 (atthe time of turning the power on), and will be reset in the procedure inStep S173 to be described later. For example, when a bet is made withthree medals in one unit game, the value α is equal to 3 and the countvalue is therefore expressed by Tb=Tb+3. After finishing this procedure,the process goes to Step S172.

In Step S172, the CPU 106 judges whether or not the specific symbolqualification flag is set to “1”. Specifically, the judgment is made asto whether or not the specific symbol qualification flag shown in StepS76 in FIG. 6 is set to “1”. Here, when the specific symbolqualification flag is set to “1” (YES in Step S172), the CPU 106 resetsthe count value Tb in the procedure in Step S173.

Moreover, the CPU 106 resets the specific symbol qualification flag inStep S174 and resets the bet for the rescue pay in Step S175. That is,when the second game is executed to provide a large benefit to theplayer, the count value of the unit games is reset and the bet for therescue pay made in Step S32 in FIG. 4 is also reset.

Meanwhile, the process is terminated when the judgment is made in StepS172 that the specific symbol qualification flag is not set to “1” (NOin Step S172). Specifically, when the specific symbol qualification flagis not set to “1”, the next unit game takes place while counting thecount value Tb. Then this process is terminated.

In the above-described counting process, the count value α (α=3, forexample) corresponding to the bet is added to the count value Tb whenthe second game is not executed (when the specific symbols are notaligned) in the slot game executed in the unit game. In this way, theamount of bets consumed in the unit games in which the second game isnot executed is consecutively counted. Meanwhile, the count value Tbwill be reset when the second game is executed (when the specificsymbols are aligned).

Next, the procedures of the rescue pay execution process shown in StepS156 in FIG. 11 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown inFIG. 13. First, in Step S191, the CPU 106 judges whether or not thecurrent unit game is the rescue setting game. Specifically, in theprocess shown in Step 55 in FIG. 5, the judgment is made as to whetheror not the current unit game is the unit game set as the rescue settinggame. Here, the process goes to Step S192 when the current unit game isthe rescue setting game or the process is terminated when the currentunit game is not the rescue setting game.

In Step S192, the CPU 106 judges whether or not the count value Tb ofthe consumed bets is equal to a preset upper limit value Tb max (Tbmax=3000, for example). Here, the process goes to Step S193 when Tb isequal to Tb max or the process is terminated when Tb is not equal to Tbmax.

In Step S193, the CPU 106 executes the second game as the rescue pay.Specifically, the second game is automatically executed as the rescuepay when the specific symbols are not qualified, i.e. when the secondgame is not executed after inserting the amount of bets equivalent tothe upper value Tb max.

In this way, in the slot machine serving as the gaming machine accordingto the second embodiment of the present invention, the second game isexecuted as the rescue pay when the count value Tb (the accumulatedvalue of the consumed bets) reaches the upper limit value Tb max duringthe rescue setting games.

Next, a modified example of the above-described second embodiment willbe described. In this modified example, only the process to count theconsumed bets shown in Step S155 in FIG. 11 is different from theabove-described second embodiment. Now, the process to count theconsumed bets in the modified example will be described with referenceto the flowchart shown in FIG. 14.

First, in Step S201, the CPU 106 judges whether or not the current unitgame is the rescue setting game. Specifically, the judgment is made asto whether or not the current unit game is the unit game set as therescue setting game in the procedure in Step S55 in FIG. 5. Then, theprocess goes to Step S202 when the current game is set as the rescuesetting game (YES in Step S201). Here, the procedures in Steps S202 toS206 are the same as Steps S171 to S175 in FIG. 12 and detailedexplanation of these procedures will therefore be omitted.

On the contrary, when the current unit game is not the rescue settinggame (NO in Step S201), the process is terminated without counting thecount value Tb (without adding the count value a). Specifically, thecount value Tb is not counted in the unit game which is not set as therescue setting game. In other words, the count value Tb will be countedonly in the unit games set as the rescue setting games.

As described above, in this modified example, the count value Tb iscounted every time a bet is made in the unit game set as the rescuesetting game and the rescue pay is paid out when this count value Tbreaches the upper limit value Tb max.

The second embodiment and the modified example thereof have beendescribed according to the example in which the bet made on the unitgames is added as the count value a representing the consumed bets, tothe count value Tb. Instead, it is also possible to add to the countvalue, the difference between the bet made on the unit games and thepayout provided in the unit games. For example, if a total of 30 medalsis bet in 10 rounds of the unit games and the payout of 10 medals arequalified by the winning combinations during these 10 rounds of the unitgames, it is possible to add 20 medals that represent the difference, tothe count value Tb. In this case, the count value Tb is accumulated inresponse to an actual loss of the bets on the part of the player.

Moreover, the first embodiment has been described according to theexample of executing the second game as the rescue pay when the countvalue Ta of the number of unit games reaches the upper limit value Tamax. Meanwhile, the second embodiment has been described according tothe example of executing the second game as the rescue pay when thecount value Tb of the bets consumed in the consecutive unit gamesreaches the upper limit value Tb max. It is also possible to set thesecond game as the rescue pay to be executed, by combining theseexamples.

Specifically, it is also possible to execute the second game as therescue pay, either when the count value Ta of the number of the unitgames reaches the upper limit value Ta max or when the count value Tb ofthe bets consumed in the consecutive unit games reaches the upper limitvalue Tb max.

Next, the slot machine 10 serving as the gaming machine according to athird embodiment of the present invention will be described. The unitgames executed by the slot machine 10 according to the third embodimentapplies different procedures from the first embodiment in terms of theprocess to count the unit games shown in Step S35 and the rescue payexecution process shown in Step S36 in the flowchart in FIG. 4. Otherprocedures, namely, the procedures in Steps S31 to S34 and S37 are thesame as those in the above-described first embodiment. Now, the processto count the unit games and the rescue pay execution process accordingto the third embodiment will be described below with reference toflowcharts FIG. 15 and FIG. 17.

First, in the process to count the unit games shown in FIG. 15, the CPU106 increments the count value Ta of the unit games in Step S211. Thatis, Ta=Ta+1 is set. Here, the count value Ta is a measured value of therounds of the executed unit games which is initially set to 0. Afterfinishing this procedure, the process goes to Step S212.

In Step S212, the CPU 106 judges whether or not the specific symbolqualification flag is set to “1”. Specifically, the judgment is made asto whether or not the specific symbol qualification flag shown in StepS76 in FIG. 6 is set to “1”. Here, when the specific symbolqualification flag is set to “1” (YES in Step S212), the CPU 106 resetsthe bet made for the rescue pay in Step S213. Moreover, the CPU 106resets the specific symbol qualification flag in Step S214. That is,when the player is provided with a large benefit by execution of thesecond game when the specific symbols are aligned in the slot game, thebet for the rescue pay executed in the above-described Step S32 in FIG.4 is reset. This embodiment is different from the above-described firstembodiment in that the count value Ta is not reset in this case.

Meanwhile, the process is terminated when the judgment is made in thejudgment process in Step S212 that the specific symbol qualificationflag is not set to “1”. Specifically, when the specific symbolqualification flag is not set to “1”, the next unit game takes placewhile incrementing the count value Ta. Then this process is terminated.

Next, procedures of the rescue pay execution process according to thethird embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart FIG.17. First, in Step S251, the CPU 106 judges whether or not the currentunit game is the rescue setting game. Specifically, in the process shownin Step 55 in FIG. 5, the judgment is made as to whether or not thecurrent unit game is the unit game set as the rescue setting game. Here,the process goes to Step S252 when the current unit game is the rescuesetting game or the process is terminated when the current unit game isnot the rescue setting game.

In Step S252, the CPU 106 judges whether or not the count value Ta ofthe unit games is equal to the preset upper limit value (thepredetermined value) Ta max (Ta max=1000, for example). Here, theprocess goes to Step S253 when Ta is equal to Ta max or the process isterminated when Ta is not equal to Ta max.

In Step S253, the CPU 106 executes the second game as the rescue pay.Specifically, the second game is automatically executed as the rescuepay when the specific symbols are not aligned, i.e. when the second gameis not executed after executing the unit games in the number equivalentto the upper limit value Ta max. Thereafter, the process goes to StepS254.

In Step S254, the CPU 106 resets the count value Ta and then terminatesthis process.

As described above, in the slot machine 10 serving as the gaming machineaccording to the third embodiment, the bet for the rescue pay is resetwhen the specific symbol qualification flag is set to “1”, i.e. when thesecond game is executed as a consequence of execution of the unit games.Nevertheless, the count value Ta is not reset in this case. Instead, thecount value Ta will be reset after the rescue pay is caused.

For this reason, the count value Ta is not reset when the specificsymbol qualification flag is set to “1” before the count value Tareaches the upper limit value Ta max. Accordingly, the payoutattributable to the rescue pay will be paid out when the count value Tareaches the upper limit value Ta max provided that the player makes abet again for the rescue pay.

As described above, in the slot machine 10 serving as the gaming machineaccording to the third embodiment, the count value Ta is not reset untilthe rescue pay is qualified.

Next, a modified example of the third embodiment will be described. FIG.16 is a flowchart showing the process to count the unit games accordingto the modified example of the third embodiment. First, in Step S231,the CPU 106 judges whether or not the current unit game is the rescuesetting game. Specifically, the judgment is made as to whether or notthe current unit game is the unit game set as the rescue setting game inthe procedure in Step S55 in FIG. 5. Then, the process goes to Step S232when the current game is set as the rescue setting game (YES in StepS231). Here, the procedures in Steps S232 to S235 are the same as StepsS211 to S214 in FIG. 15 and detailed explanation of these procedureswill therefore be omitted.

On the contrary, when the current unit game is not the rescue settinggame (NO in Step S231), the process is terminated without incrementingthe count value Ta. Specifically, the count value Ta is not incrementedin the unit game which is not set as the rescue setting game. In otherwords, the count value Ta will be incremented only in the unit games setas the rescue setting games.

As described above, in the slot machine 10 serving as the gaming machineaccording to the third embodiment, the count value Ta is incrementedonly during the unit games set as the rescue setting games.

Next, the slot machine 10 serving as the gaming machine according to afourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 18 isa flowchart showing procedures of the unit game execution process withthe slot machine according to the fourth embodiment. First, when theunit game is executed, the CPU 106 receives a bet in Step S271. To bemore precise, when the medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot21 or when the credits are bet by means of pressing the BET switch 25 orthe MAXBET switch 24, these operations are detected by the CPU 106.

Subsequently, the process to count the unit games is carried out in Step272. This process to count the unit games will be described later byusing a flowchart shown in FIG. 19. Thereafter, in Step S273, the CPU106 judges whether or not the count value Ta counted in the process tocount the unit games reaches a preset reference value Ta1 (Ta1=100, forexample). Then, the process goes to Step S274 when the count value Tareaches the reference value Ta1. On the other hand, the process goes toStep S275 when the count value does not reach the reference value Ta1.

In Step S274, the CPU 106 carries out the betting process for the rescuepay. In this process, the CPU 106 accepts the bet for the rescue pay byusing the touch panel sensor 19 provided on the lower liquid crystaldisplay 16. That is, it is possible to bet for the rescue pay only whenthe count value Ta reaches the reference value Ta1. Here, detailedprocedures of the betting process for the rescue pay are the same as theabove-described process shown in the flowchart in FIG. 5, and theexplanation will therefore be omitted herein.

Thereafter, in Step S275, the CPU 106 judges whether or not the startswitch 27 is turned on. The procedure goes to Step S276 when the startswitch 27 is turned on.

In Step S276, the CPU 106 carries out the execution process of the slotgame. In this process, the CPU 106 executes the process for rearrangingthe symbols located in the three display regions Q1 to Q3. Detailedprocedures are the same as the above-described process shown in FIG. 6,and the explanation will therefore be omitted herein.

In Step S277, the CPU 106 carries out a resetting process. Detailedprocedures will be described later with reference to a flowchart show inFIG. 20.

In Step S278, the CPU 106 carries out the rescue pay execution process.In this process, the second game as the rescue pay is automaticallyexecuted when no the second game is not executed within thepredetermined number of the unit games. Detailed procedures are the sameas the above-described process shown in FIG. 8, and the explanation willtherefore be omitted herein.

In Step S279, the CPU 106 carries out the payout process. In thisprocess, the payout (such as medals or credits) is provided either whenthe symbols qualifying the winning combinations stop in the threedisplay regions Q1 to Q3 or when a payout occurs as a result of thesecond game. Thereafter, the process goes to the next unit game.

Next, the process to count the unit games shown in Step S272 in FIG. 18will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 19.

In this process, the count value Ta of the unit games is incremented asshown in Step S291 in FIG. 19. Then the process is terminated.

Next, the resetting process shown in Step S277 in FIG. 18 will bedescribed with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 20. First, inStep S301, the CPU 106 judges whether or not the specific symbolqualification flag is set to “1”. Specifically, the judgment is made asto whether or not the specific symbol qualification flag is set to “1”in the above-described process shown in Step S76 in FIG. 6. Here, whenthe specific symbol qualification flag is set to “1” (YES in Step S301),the count value Ta is reset in Step S302. Moreover, the specific symbolqualification flag is reset in Step S303 and the bet for the rescue payis reset in Step S304.

In other words, when the player is granted a large benefit equal to ormore than 60 credits per credit, the count value Ta of the unit games isreset and the bet for the rescue pay executed in Step S274 in FIG. 18 isalso reset.

Meanwhile, the process is terminated when the judgment is made in thejudgment process in Step S301 that the specific symbol qualificationflag is not set to “1” (NO in Step S301). Specifically, when thespecific symbol qualification flag is not set to “1”, the next unit gametakes place while not resetting the count value Ta, the specific symbolqualification flag or the bet for the rescue pay. Then this process isterminated.

Next, the slot machine 10 serving as the gaming machine according to afifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 21 isa flowchart showing procedures of the unit game execution process withthe slot machine according to the fifth embodiment. First, when the unitgame is executed, the CPU 106 receives a bet in Step S311. To be moreprecise, when the medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 21or when the credits are bet by means of pressing the MAXBET switch 24 orthe BET switch 25, these operations are detected by the CPU 106.

Subsequently, the process to count the consumed bets is carried out inStep 312. This process to count the consumed bets will be describedlater by using a flowchart shown in FIG. 22. Thereafter, in Step S313,the CPU 106 judges whether or not the count value Tb counted in theprocess to count the consumed bets reaches a preset reference value Tb1(Tb1=300, for example). Then, the process goes to Step S314 when thecount value Th reaches the reference value Tb1. On the other hand, theprocess goes to Step S315 when the count value does not reach thereference value Tb1.

In Step S314, the CPU 106 carries out the betting process for the rescuepay. In this process, the CPU 106 accepts the bet for the rescue pay byusing the touch panel sensor 19 provided on the lower liquid crystaldisplay 16. That is, it is possible to bet for the rescue pay only whenthe count value Tb reaches the reference value Tb1. Here, detailedprocedures of the betting process for the rescue pay are the same as theabove-described process shown in the flowchart in FIG. 5, and theexplanation will therefore be omitted herein.

Thereafter, in Step S315, the CPU 106 judges whether or not the startswitch 27 is turned on. The procedure goes to Step S316 when the startswitch 27 is turned on.

In Step S316, the CPU 106 carries out the execution process of the slotgame. Detailed procedures are the same as the above-described processshown in FIG. 6, and the explanation will therefore be omitted herein.

In Step S317, the CPU 106 carries out the resetting process. Detailedprocedures will be described later with reference to a flowchart show inFIG. 23.

In Step S318, the CPU 106 carries out the rescue pay execution process.In this process, the second game is automatically executed as the rescuepay when the second game is not executed before the accumulated value ofthe consumed bets reaches a preset number. Detailed procedures are thesame as the above-described process shown in FIG. 8, and the explanationwill therefore be omitted herein.

In Step S319, the CPU 106 carries out the payout process. In thisprocess, the payout (such as medals or credits) is provided either whenthe symbols qualifying the winning combination stop in the three displayregions Q1 to Q3 or when the payout attributable to the second gameoccurs. Thereafter, the process goes to the next unit game.

Next, the process to count the consumed bets shown in Step S312 in FIG.21 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 22.

In this process, the count value ox corresponding to the bet made on theunit game is added to the count value Tb as shown in Step S331 in FIG.22. Then the process is terminated.

Next, the resetting process shown in Step S317 in FIG. 21 will bedescribed with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 23. First, inStep S351, the CPU 106 judges whether or not the specific symbolqualification flag is set to “1”. Specifically, the judgment is made asto whether or not the specific symbol qualification flag is set to “1”in the above-described process shown in Step S76 in FIG. 6. Here, whenthe specific symbol qualification flag is set to “1” (YES in Step S351),the count value Tb is reset in Step S352. Moreover, the specific symbolqualification flag is reset in Step S353 and the bet for the rescue payis reset in Step S354.

In other words, when the specific symbol qualification flag is set to“1”, that is, when the player is granted a large benefit by execution ofthe second game, the count value Tb of the consumed bets is reset andthe bet for the rescue pay executed in Step S314 in FIG. 21 is alsoreset.

Meanwhile, the process is terminated when the judgment is made in thejudgment process in Step S351 that the specific symbol qualificationflag is not set to “1” (NO in Step S351). Specifically, when thespecific symbol qualification flag is not set to “1”, the next unit gametakes place without resetting the count value Tb, the specific symbolqualification flag or the bet for the rescue pay. Then this process isterminated.

Although the slot machine and the method of playing games using the slotmachine of the present invention have been described with reference tocertain illustrative embodiments, it is to be understood that thepresent invention is not limited only to these embodiments and that theconfigurations of the respective constituents may be replaced by otherarbitrary configurations having similar functions thereto.

For instance, the embodiments have described the example of providingthe lower liquid crystal display 16 with three pieces of the displayregions Q1 to Q3 and executing the slot games by use of these displayregions Q1 to Q3. However, the present invention is not limited only tothis configuration.

Moreover, the embodiments have applied the configuration to select anarbitrary option by allowing the player to touch the touch panel sensor.However, it is also possible to select an arbitrary option by aswitching operation instead of using the touch panel sensor 19.

Furthermore, the present invention has been described on the slotmachine 10 as a typical gaming machine. However, the present inventionis not limited only to this configuration. The present invention is alsoapplicable to other gaming machines such as horse racing games.

1. A method of playing games using a gaming machine in which a player can make a bet as a prerequisite for getting an insurance-pay for every predetermined number of unit games, comprising: making a bet on the unit games; providing a predetermined amount of award when a play result of the unit game satisfies a specific play result; making a bet as a prerequisite for getting an insurance-pay on an arbitrary number of the unit games set as a group; incrementing a count value, which is to be reset under a predetermined resetting condition, every time the unit game is executed; and accepting an operation by a player and executing a preliminary game for providing an amount of award corresponding to a result of this operation when the count value reaches a predetermined value in the group of the unit games on which the bet as a prerequisite for getting the insurance-pay is made.
 2. The method of playing games using a gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the count value is any of the number of the unit games that have been executed, an accumulated amount of bets, made on a plurality of the unit games, and an accumulated value of differences between the amount of bets on the plurality of unit games and an amount of awards.
 3. The method of playing games using a gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the prerequisite for resetting is an occurrence of the specific play result in the unit game.
 4. A method of playing games using a gaming machine in which a player can make a bet, as a prerequisite for getting an insurance-pay, for every predetermined number of unit games, comprising: making a bet on the unit games; providing a predetermined amount of award when a play result of the unit game satisfies a specific play result; making a bet as a prerequisite for getting an insurance-pay on an arbitrary number of unit games set as a group; incrementing a count value to be reset under a predetermined resetting condition with every execution of the unit game on which the bet as a prerequisite for getting the insurance-pay is made; and accepting an operation by a player and executing a preliminary game for providing an amount of award corresponding to a result of this operation when the count value reaches a predetermined value in the group of the unit games on which the bet as a prerequisite for getting the insurance-pay is made.
 5. The method of playing games using a gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the count value is any of the number of the unit games that have been executed, an accumulated amount of bets for a plurality of the unit games, and an accumulated value of differences between the amount of bets for the plurality of the unit games and an amount of awards.
 6. The method of playing games using a gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the prerequisite for resetting is an occurrence of the specific play result in the unit game.
 7. A method of playing games using a gaming machine in which a player can make a bet as a prerequisite for getting an insurance-pay for every predetermined number of unit games, comprising: making a bet on the unit games; providing a predetermined amount of award when a play result of the unit game satisfies a specific play result; making a bet as a prerequisite for getting an insurance-pay on an arbitrary number of unit games set as a group; incrementing a count value, which is to be reset under a predetermined resetting condition, every time the unit game is executed; and accepting an operation by a player, executing a preliminary game for providing an amount of award corresponding to a result of this operation, and providing the amount of award caused by the preliminary game in the form of any of medals and coins when the count value reaches a predetermined value in the group of the unit games on which the bet as a prerequisite for getting the insurance-pay is made.
 8. The method of playing games using a gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein the count value is any of the number of the unit games that have been executed, an accumulated amount of bets for a plurality of the unit games, and an accumulated value of differences between the amount of bets for the plurality of unit games and an amount of awards.
 9. The method of playing games using a gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein the prerequisite for resetting is an occurrence of the specific play result in the unit game.
 10. A gaming machine in which a player can make a bet as a prerequisite for getting an insurance-pay for every predetermined number of unit games, comprising: a display configured to display an image concerning a unit game for determining whether or not a play result deserves an award; a counter configured to be reset under a predetermined resetting condition and to increment a count value every time the unit game is executed; and a controller operable to: (a) provide a predetermined amount of award when a play result of the unit game satisfies a specific play result; (b) receive a bet, as a prerequisite for getting an insurance-pay, made on an arbitrary number of unit games set as a group; and (c) accept an operation by a player and executing a preliminary game for providing an amount of award corresponding to a result of this operation when the count value reaches a predetermined value in the group of the unit games on which the bet as a prerequisite for getting the insurance-pay is made.
 11. The gaming machine according to claim 10, wherein the count value counted by the counter is any of the number of the unit games that have been executed, an accumulated amount of bets for a plurality of the unit games, and an accumulated value of differences between the amount of bets for the plurality of the unit games and an amount of awards.
 12. The gaming machine according to claim 10, wherein the prerequisite for resetting is an occurrence of the specific play result in the unit game.
 13. A gaming machine in which a player can make a bet as a prerequisite for getting an insurance-pay for every predetermined number of unit games, comprising: a display configured to display an image concerning a unit game for determining whether or not a play result deserves an award; a counter configured to be reset under a predetermined resetting condition and to increment a count value with every execution of the unit game on which a bet as a prerequisite for getting an insurance-pay is made; and a controller operable to: (a) provide a predetermined amount of award when a play result of the unit game satisfies a specific play result; (b) receive a bet, as a prerequisite for getting the insurance-pay, made on an arbitrary number of the unit games set as a group; and (c) accept an operation by a player and executing a preliminary game for providing an amount of award corresponding to a result of this operation when the count value reaches a predetermined value in the group of the unit games on which the bet as a prerequisite for getting the insurance-pay is made.
 14. The gaming machine according to claim 13, wherein the count value counted by the counter is any of the number of the unit games that have been executed, an accumulated amount of bets for a plurality of the unit games, and an accumulated value of differences between the amount of bets for the plurality of the unit games and an amount of awards.
 15. The gaming machine according to claim 13, wherein the prerequisite for resetting is an occurrence of the specific play result in the unit game.
 16. A gaming machine in which a player can make a bet as a prerequisite for getting an insurance-pay for every predetermined number of unit games, comprising: a display configured to display an image concerning a unit game for determining whether or not a play result deserves an award; a counter configured to be reset under a predetermined resetting condition and to increment a count value every time the unit game is executed; and a controller operable to: (a) provide a predetermined amount of award when a play result of the unit game satisfies a specific play result; (b) receive a bet, as a prerequisite for getting an insurance-pay, made on an arbitrary number of the unit games set as a group, and (c) accept an operation by a player, executing a preliminary game for providing an amount of award corresponding to a result of this operation, and providing the amount of award caused by the preliminary game in the form of any of medals and coins when the count value reaches a predetermined value in the group of the unit games on which the bet as a prerequisite for getting the insurance-pay is made.
 17. The gaming machine according to claim 16, wherein the count value counted by the counter is any of the number of the unit games that have been executed, an accumulated amount of bets for a plurality of the unit games, and an accumulated value of differences between the amount of bets for the plurality of the unit games and an amount of awards.
 18. The gaming machine according to claim 16, wherein the prerequisite for resetting is an occurrence of the specific play result in the unit game. 